As Florida grapples with escalating flooding, sea-level rise, and storm surge risks, proactive public engagement and advocacy are critical for protecting our communities, livelihoods, and treasured coasts. Surfrider’s Miami Chapter has been a long-time leader in coastal restoration and recently welcomed South Florida residents to take part in dune restoration efforts on Miami Beach during Florida Climate Week. The Chapter was also joined by several Surfrider clubs, including the University of Miami, Florida International University, and Miami Beach Senior High School.
Florida Climate Week, led and organized by the VoLo Foundation, is a week-long initiative that encourages Floridians to participate in expert-led virtual sessions, connect through community events, take meaningful action, and amplify their voices for a sustainable future. Surfrider Miami was excited to participate in Florida Climate Week and lead a hands-on event for the public to take part in restoration and learn about climate solutions.
On Saturday, October 11, 26 volunteers worked to clear invasive plants and trash from the dune systems that serve as natural buffers protecting our Miami Beach shores and communities. Dune systems function as nature’s first line of defense by absorbing wave energy, limiting erosion, and reducing inland flooding. In rapidly developing coastal areas like Miami, we must lean into nature-based strategies to build resilience, rather than relying solely on engineered armoring. In Florida, Surfrider chapters, clubs, and supporters engage in local climate action and advocate for policies that will facilitate widespread implementation of nature-based solutions to bolster resilience.
Nature-based solutions – like dune and wetlands restoration, living shorelines, native vegetation, and mangrove restoration and plantings – are dynamic and ecologically-beneficial resilience actions. Across the country, Surfrider’s network mobilizes to elevate nature-based solutions, lead on-the-ground climate action and education, and advocate for stronger policies. Our just-released 2025 State of the Beach Report details the frontline impacts experienced by coastal communities and the actions they are taking to address these challenges. Check out the new report to learn more about the Miami Chapter’s dune restoration work for over a decade and the range of solutions Surfrider is leading from coast to coast.
As shown by the Florida Climate Week Dune Restoration and Surfrider’s resilience work across the country, grassroots participation and action matters! Surfrider’s Florida chapters and clubs offer engagement opportunities year round and you can find your local chapter and upcoming events here. Sign up, show up, and help protect our beaches – not just for today, but for generations to come!
